Born on January 2, 1836, in Honolulu, Queen Emma Kaleleonālani Naʻea Rooke was a Hawaiian royal whose life was dedicated to the welfare of her people. Her biological parents were High Chief George Naʻea and High Chiefess Fanny Kekelaokalani Young. Following Hawaiian tradition, she was adopted at birth by her childless maternal aunt, Chiefess Grace Kamaʻikuʻi Young Rooke, and her husband, Dr. Thomas Rooke, a British physician. This upbringing provided Emma with a unique blend of Hawaiian and British influences.
Educated at the Chiefs’ Children’s School (later renamed The Royal School) alongside other royal children, Emma grew up speaking both Hawaiian and English. She was a talented and well-rounded young woman, skilled in music (particularly the piano), dancing, horseback riding, and gardening.
In 1856, Emma married her childhood friend, Alexander Liholiho, who became King Kamehameha IV. They reigned together until his death in 1863. The couple shared a deep concern for the Hawaiian people, whose population was being decimated by foreign diseases. Together, they founded The Queen’s Hospital (now The Queen’s Health Systems) in 1859. They personally went door-to-door to raise funds for the hospital, which was established to provide care for the native population.
In 1858, Queen Emma gave birth to a son, Prince Albert Edward Kauikeaouli. The young prince was the heir to the throne and a source of great joy for the kingdom. However, tragedy struck in 1862 when Prince Albert died at the age of four. A year later, a grief-stricken King Kamehameha IV also passed away. After these devastating losses, Queen Emma took the name Kaleleonālani, which means “The flight of the heavenly chiefs,” in their memory.
As a widowed queen, Emma dedicated her life to humanitarian and charitable causes. She continued her work with the Anglican Church in Hawaiʻi, raising funds for the construction of The Cathedral of St. Andrew, and also founded St. Andrew’s Priory School for Girls in 1867 to provide quality education.
In 1874, following the death of King Lunalilo without an heir, Queen Emma became a candidate for the Hawaiian throne. Known as “The People’s Queen” due to her widespread popularity and humanitarian efforts, she ran against David Kalākaua. While she had strong support from native Hawaiians who saw her as a direct link to the Kamehameha dynasty and her pro-Hawaiian and pro-British sentiments, Kalākaua won the legislative election. Despite the defeat and a subsequent riot by her supporters, Emma eventually recognized Kalākaua as the rightful king.
Queen Emma died on April 25, 1885, at the age of 49. Her legacy is one of compassion, dedication, and leadership. She is remembered for her significant contributions to the health, education, and spiritual well-being of the Hawaiian people.
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